THUNDER

After someone at the London Toyfair had 'forgotten to switch their camcorder off’ and leaked the blurry screengrabs online, the new Thundercats designs were seen for the first time.


Of course after that leakage Warner Bros had to then counter this with an official image of the feline favourites from the new 2011 animated series.

So here I am feeling a little compelled to write a little about the new Thundercats with my first impressions, opinions and expectations.

For a start, Lion-O, Cheetara, Tygra and Panthro are easily recognisable and the new designs retain most of distinguishing features of the 80’s version. What makes this new rendition stand out is the proportion of the group: Lion-O is less roided up and Panthro looks more stocky. Cheetara and Tygra are pretty much the same as before in terms of build. The Thundarians are a lot more clothed than before with covered leggings and solid body armour instead of leotards and ‘pants n vest’. A bit far flung from the original show which practically got away with nudity!

Whoever designed these may have drawn on the Final Fantasy VII game franchise for inspiration. Lion-O has possibly been traced from Cloud, whilst Panthro has maybe been carbon copied from Barratt - both who are characters of similar scale and build.

The art-style itself – a more traditional anime looks like something that would be seen in a Squaresoft role-playing game. Thundercats was always anime inspired and this is a good direction to go for.

I’m not too sure about Tygra being pictured with a gun, but its nice to see his bolo whip make a return. I do like the idea that he and Lion-O will be brothers in this series with an explanation during the first 3 episodes of the show. 80s alumni Larry Kenny who voiced Lion-O in the original show will return to voice Tygra and Lion-O’s father - Claudius.

The new Sword of Omens is easily recognisable, and the idea of it starting off as a dagger with it magically extending looks to be scrapped. Instead, this new Sword of Omens is a sword from the start with a transformable handle. The Claw Sheild, Nunchucks and Bo Staff and other popular trademark weapons are gladly making a return.

Despite the leak, only 4 characters and a distant image of Snarf on the Thundertank toy packaging have been unveiled. It would be interesting to find out how Mumm-Ra, Jackalman and other supporting cast creatures have turned out.

I for one am excited for this new series. A Thundercats revival has been long overdue and it could be fantastic, or like many other revivals a mockery of what has happened before. I am fuelled by curiosity (not good with cats) to see how this show and the accompanying toyline will turn out. It seems that with the prospect of upcoming figures and merchandise with the 80’s Thundercats also on offer there is a little something for the older fans and the newer fans to pick and choose.

The time to feel the magic and hear the roar is coming again…